One of the UK’s most influential women to visit Nottingham for Business Leaders Lectures series

Tess Egginton
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One of the UK’s most influential women to visit Nottingham for Business Leaders Lectures series

Debbie Hewitt MBE, the Football Association’s first female chair and one of the UK’s most influential women, is to visit Nottingham Business School for the second of its Business Leaders Lectures series, in 2023.Debbie will give an overview of her non-executive and executive career in multiple industries, including Visa Europe Limited, Comparethemarket, and fashion retailer White Stuff Limited as she aims to dispel some of the common entrepreneurship myths. She will also cover her executive positions at Marks and Spencer plc as well her time as the first female Managing Director of RAC plc in its 125-year history. Attendees to the event will be able to ask Debbie questions at an open Q&A session. In 2021, British Vogue listed Debbie in the Vogue 25 – their annual list of the UK’s most influential women.Debbie holds an MBA with distinction from Bath University. She was awarded an MBE for services to Business and the Public Sector in the New Year Honours List in 2011. In September 2021, Debbie was awarded Chartered Companion of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (Chartered CCIPD), recognising outstanding and distinguished service to the people profession.

In July 2022 she was awarded the Honorary Degree Doctor of Business Administration by Nottingham Trent University, in recognition of her significant contribution to Business and the Public Sector.

Debbie Hewitt said: “I’m delighted to be speaking at Nottingham Trent University as part of their Business Leaders Lectures series. It’s a privilege to be able to speak to the next generation of business leaders and I’m looking forward to sharing the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained throughout my career, and to hearing their perspectives on how businesses might attract them in the future.”

The Business Leaders Lecture series is part of a programme of events organised by Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, to give students, the wider business community and alumni the opportunity to hear directly from people who lead public and private sector organisations which help shape the world around us.

The events aim to share insights about the lessons leaders have learned while confronting challenges, innovating and driving progress. Executive Dean of NBS, Professor Baback Yazdani, said: “The Business Leaders Lecture series is part of our commitment to ensuring that we combine that academic excellence with a positive impact on the world around us by sharing the lessons leaders have learned while confronting challenges, innovating and driving progress. We are delighted to have Debbie Hewitt to join us for our lecture later this month and share her experiences and insight from a long-spanning successful career in business.“During the pandemic we also added the NBS Business Leaders Podcasts which now has 30 episodes to enjoy as well. This a great bank of leadership knowledge that we bring to the public domain.”

The Business Leaders Lecture with Debbie Hewitt will take place from 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023 in NTU’s Newton building. The booking deadline is midday on Sunday 23 April 2023. Find out more and reserve your place here.

Sales rise at Dunelm

Tess Egginton
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Sales rise at Dunelm
Sales are on the rise at Dunelm, the Leicestershire-based homewares retailer. According to a trading update for its third quarter, the 13-week period ended 1 April 2023, total sales of £423m were up 6% compared to the same period last year, following a Winter Sale that “resonated particularly well.” Both Dunelm’s store estate and online offer are seeing strong growth, while new stores opened this year continue to perform ahead of expectations. Investment in digitalising the business is also delivering strong returns, with digital sales making up 36% of total sales in the quarter. The company’s anticipated profit before tax for FY23 remain in line with current market expectations (£185m).

Nick Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are seeing strong momentum in the business as customers continue to appreciate the quality and value across the Dunelm range, despite a challenging trading backdrop. This was apparent through our successful Winter Sale and the positive launch of our new ranges for spring and summer as customers look forward to longer days and outdoor living. 

“As we continue to seize the many opportunities we see, we are investing for the long term and making good progress against our plans, which include the ongoing development and extension of our product ranges, building our customer data platform and optimising our marketing channels. These plans give us good confidence for ongoing success.

“Our core values continue to guide the business and during the quarter we passed the £1m milestone in funds raised for our charity partner, Mind. I am particularly proud of our colleagues’ efforts to support our communities at such an important time.”

Further homes approved for Trent Basin scheme

Tess Egginton
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Further homes approved for Trent Basin scheme
The next wave of homes for the sustainable Trent Basin scheme in Nottingham has been approved by the city council. Blueprint’s plans will see a further 110 dwellings constructed, providing a mix of 58 family houses and 52 maisonettes. Seeking full planning permission, the proposals came as part of a hybrid planning application, alongside an outline application (with all matters reserved) for additional residential development, up to 280 sq m of cafe / food & drink floorspace and a Community Transport Hub.
The scheme will be constructed in a number of phases, similar to the Trent Basin development undertaken to date.

APSS unveils new brochure to showcase its expertise in commercial interior design and fit out

Tess Egginton
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APSS unveils new brochure to showcase its expertise in commercial interior design and fit out
Lincolnshire-based commercial interior design and fit out company, APSS, has launched a new brochure designed to showcase the company’s expertise and provide clients with a comprehensive overview of its services. The new brochure, which is available to download on the APSS website, highlights the innovative and functional workspaces, from concept and design through to construction and installation. It showcases the company’s unique selling points, including its ability to deliver bespoke solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients on time and in budget. “We are thrilled to launch our new brochure, which provides clients with a comprehensive overview of our services and expertise,” said Sarah Barker, Marketing and PR Co-ordinator for APSS. “The brochure is an essential component of our sales and marketing strategy and demonstrates our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients.” The brochure features an updated design and layout, making it easier for clients to understand the many services the company has to offer. It includes case studies of recent projects, demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver high-quality work that exceeds clients’ expectations. “We take pride in creating workspaces that enhance productivity and improve the overall well-being of our clients’ staff,” said Sarah. “Our team of experts is dedicated to creating spaces that are not only functional but also sustainable.” Clients can download the new brochure for free on www.apss.co.uk. The brochure is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about APSS’s services and expertise. For more information about APSS’s commercial interior design and fit-out services or to request a consultation, please visit www.apss.co.uk.

Severn Trent prepares to spend more than £300,000 on water network upgrade for Hinckley

Stuart Pearcey
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Severn Trent prepares to spend more than £300,000 on water network upgrade for Hinckley
On Monday next week Severn Trent will start work on a £309,890 upgrade to the water network in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The programme will see the replacement of 835m of water pipes around the Castle Street and Mount Road areas of the town. These works will make sure the local network is more resilient to issues which can impact customer supply, such as bursts and leaks. This work is part of Severn Trent’s investment in the area, which also includes £15m which will be spent on creating a brand-new wetland. Part of Severn Trent’s Great Big Nature Boost initiative, the wetland will help to maintain levels of flow all year round and improve the water quality within Sketchley Brook, improving the habitat for local wildlife. Lisa Orme, Community Communications Officer at Severn Trent, said: “We are undertaking this project to replace old pipes with new, upgrading the system and ensure a reliable water supply both now and into the future. “We understand that roadworks can be inconvenient but are necessary to make sure that we can complete this work as quickly and safely as possible. I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while we make this really important upgrade.” The works are expected to be completed by early September. Due to the locations of the pipes to be replaced and for the safety of the workforce and other road users, some traffic management will be in place throughout the works. Access to schools and businesses will be maintained at all times. Access to the hospital, homes, shops and businesses will be maintained throughout the works.

Wates Group gears up for Phase Two of Derby Market Hall refurb

Stuart Pearcey
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Wates Group gears up for Phase Two of Derby Market Hall refurb
Work has started on the second phase of a multi-million-pound project to breathe new life into Derby’s historic Market Hall, and will continue until the end of next year. Having restored the Grade II-listed building’s roof, Wates Group is now turning its attention to making internal and external improvements. Once completed, the revamped Market Hall aims to become a vibrant retail and leisure destination, providing a link between the Derbion shopping centre and the St Peter’s Quarter and Cathedral Quarter areas, as well as the Becketwell regeneration scheme. Wates is working in collaboration with Derby City Council on the project, supported by specialists, including Lathams Architects and structural engineers Rodgers Leask. Lisa Cunningham, pre-construction director at Wates, said: “The Market Hall will play a vital role in creating a thriving cultural heart in Derby and we’re pleased to support this project to restore and transform such a unique building. With the roof restoration completed, this next phase will begin to show substantial improvements to the interiors and strengthen the exteriors to ensure the building has a long life.” An important part of the next phase of work is to develop the public space at Osnabruck Square, a key entrance to the Victorian building, as well as reinstating the north entrance. Lisa said: “This next phase will see further external work, including re-instating the two original northern entrances to the Market Hall, which will replace the current single entrance and allow a direct line of sight through the Guildhall colonnade. “As well as making the building more inviting and accessible, this will also avoid any potential bottlenecks from increased footfall. “Elsewhere on the building exterior, we will work to widen external escape doors, strip and renew the metal roof to its 1980s extension and replace the brickwork to the southern elevation arrangement with fully glazed window openings to create an active frontage with greater visibility.” According to Wates, the Guildhall Yard will also be enhanced, with the entire courtyard re-paved following the demolition of an existing 1980s stair and lift tower. Internally, works will focus on a new flexible market hall space, featuring free-standing mobile stalls to create an accessible space for events and activities such as food and music festivals. To accommodate the food and drink offer, the balcony will have a bottle bar and an emphasis will be placed on street food but with the flexibility to adapt to future trends. Further work in this phase includes refurbishments made to the first-floor shops, new durable flooring, improved back-of-house storage, improvements to fire safety, and new toilet facilities. A key feature will be a new grand central staircase to the north of the Market Hall, replacing an existing stairwell. Lisa said: “This grand staircase will reflect the position and form of the original 1864 stair, connecting to the balcony in a contemporary, light and inviting route. “It will feature a glass balustrade designed to contrast with, yet complement, the historic metal balustrade across the balcony.” The designs also include sustainable focused upgrades such as on-site energy generation through solar thermal and PV panels, battery storage, combined heat and power, and disposal of food waste through anaerobic digestion.

Don’t rely on the Board to make your company more sustainable, new DMU research finds

Tess Egginton
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Don’t rely on the Board to make your company more sustainable, new DMU research finds
Companies who set up dedicated sustainability committees are more likely to achieve environmental goals than those which rely on a CEO and board members, according to new research. Academics analysed data from 44,996 firms across 61 countries to see how much they were investing in their companies and how many of them reported publicly on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work. They found that the more firms invested in running the company, the less likely they were to publicly report on CSR social and environmental activities. However, those with a dedicated CSR committee were more effective than those whose CSR activities – which can include its equality and diversity work, environmental and public engagement – were governed by a CEO and board. Dr Ali Meftah Gerged, senior lecturer in accounting and finance at DMU, said the research team’s interest was sparked by the huge rise in different types of socially responsible investing, and the apparent switch from corporations talking about revenues to stressing their environmental credentials. “Our findings suggest that board monitoring mechanisms may focus more on financial performance than non-financial initiatives, as directors may feel shareholder pressure more than stakeholder pressure,” he said. “Board structure has a limited effect on encouraging investing firms to engage with CSR transparency practices. CSR committees appear to convince investing firms of the benefits of issuing a CSR report and the credibility of the disclosed CSR report with third-party assurance. “These committees might shape the CSR agenda of their firm and help the board maintain a more balanced decision-making process by aligning the interests of both shareholders and stakeholders. “Our empirical evidence suggests that if investing firms consider CSR initiatives and reporting as solely costly and ignore their benefits, the presence of a CSR committee could both represent and present a more expert and experienced view that may highlight the advantages of these CSR initiatives.” The team used publicly available company data to measure key investments firms made – sales growth, R&D intensity and sum of the growth of both tangible assets (like buildings and inventory) and intangible assets, such as customer lists and brand awareness. They then looked at the firms’ CSR reporting and structure. The report adds that too many companies are still seeing corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a cost to the firm rather than promoting other benefits. However, anecdotal evidence from consumers shows that people want to buy from companies who they perceive as transparent and accountable.

Mattioli Woods acquires one of the largest financial planning businesses in Northern Ireland

Tess Egginton
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Mattioli Woods acquires one of the largest financial planning businesses in Northern Ireland
Mattioli Woods, the Leicester-based specialist wealth and asset management business, has acquired Doherty Pension & Investment Consultancy Limited (Doherty’s) from its shareholders for a total consideration of up to £15.048 million, adding scale to the group’s existing operations in Northern Ireland.

Founded in 1985, Doherty is an established financial planning and wealth management business with specialist pension expertise and a discretionary investment management offering.

Doherty’s currently advises approximately 1,320 private clients, including specialist pension advice on SSASs, with combined assets under advice and administration of over £635 million.

Doherty’s has a strong regional presence in Belfast and employs 28 staff. Doherty’s experienced management team will be retained by Mattioli Woods following the acquisition. In the year ended 31 December 2021, Doherty’s generated revenues of £2.92 million with a profit on ordinary activities before taxation of £1.45 million.

Michael Wright, Group Managing Director of Mattioli Woods, said: “It is very rare that such a great opportunity to bring one of the largest financial planning businesses in Northern Ireland into the Mattioli Woods Group presents itself. In over 30 years of operations, Doherty’s has built a solid and respected reputation, with integrity and professionalism at the heart of its client service.

“It was clear from our initial discussions that Doherty’s is a great fit culturally and strategically, including a focus on long-term client relationships, serving a similar client base to our existing business. This acquisition is an important step forward for Mattioli Woods, strengthening our position as the only SSAS and SIPP operator based in Northern Ireland.  

“We are delighted to welcome Terry, Alan, John and their team into the group. There are many complementary elements between our businesses enhancing our specialist pension, discretionary portfolio management and financial planning propositions. We believe the range of products and services that Mattioli Woods has to offer can support the excellent outcomes from which Doherty’s clients already benefit.” 

Terry Lappin, Managing Director of Doherty’s, added: “We are delighted to be joining the Mattioli Woods Group as the synergy between our companies was obvious from our very first discussion. This can only improve our client offering and we are looking forward with enthusiasm to what can be achieved.”

Chamber Chief Exec praises business resilience as inflation remains high

Stuart Pearcey
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Chamber Chief Exec praises business resilience as inflation remains high
Inflation’s stubbornly high, but there are signs of encouragement for businesses in the latest ONS figures, says Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber’s chief exec. With Consumer Price Index inflation at 10.1% in the year to February 2023, he said: “While it’s reassuring to see the headline inflation figure is not on an upwards curve again after the unexpected rise last month, the fact it remains in double figures is illustrative of how entrenched rising prices have become within our economy. “More positively, the Producer Price Index has eased from 12.8% to 7.6%, indicating the peak may have passed for input price growth. “Firms have been absorbing cost pressures across energy, people, raw materials and fuel for at least 18 months – and while the sustainability of this has been a concern, the patience of our resilient business community may now be starting to pay off. “However, inflation remains far and away the number one concern among East Midlands businesses, according to the Chamber’s first Quarterly Economic Survey of 2023, ahead of other issues such as access to skilled labour, corporate taxation and interest rates. “This has been driven by three years of global lockdowns, supply chain crises, energy shocks and new trade barriers with the EU. “Therefore, it’s crucial Government helps businesses by focusing on what we call the ‘four Is’ in our East Midlands Business Manifesto for Growth, A Centre of Trading Excellence – investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade. “This will help us to achieve what has eluded us for too long and begin a period of meaningful, long-term economic growth.”

Champions collaborate to enhance Chesterfield’s Basin Square

Stuart Pearcey
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Champions collaborate to enhance Chesterfield’s Basin Square
Two Chesterfield Champions have collaborated with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver an attention-grabbing display in and around the Basin Square character area of the Chesterfield Waterside scheme. FWD: Motion, a creative agency based in Chesterfield, managed the branding, design, manufacture, and installation of the new perimeter display at Basin Square working alongside Bolsterstone Group PLC which is delivering the Waterside scheme with Chesterfield Borough Council. The new site display builds on the brand redevelopment and website build for Chesterfield Waterside which FWD Motion completed in 2019. Chesterfield Waterside is one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes; a £340m sustainable development set in a canal-side environment. Waterside is built across 16 hectares with phase 1 of the development, known as Basin Square, delivering Grade A office space, a hotel, apartments, and a multi-storey car park. Phase one at Basin Square recently saw the completion and opening of One Waterside Place, a seven-storey large floorplate office funded by Chesterfield Borough Council. The new display, which features 190 meters of printed and cut vinyl 8x4ft di bond aluminium hoarding boards with protective anti-graffiti laminate, showcases the high quality office space available within the building. Already two floors of One Waterside Place have tenants – BHP Chartered Accountants and luxury women’s leisurewear company Varley’s, and the new eye-catching display boards are helping to attract the attention of prospective tenants. Tom Swallow, Development Manager at Bolsterstone Group PLC said: “It was a pleasure to work with FWD Motion as always on the design of the hoardings. They worked with us to deliver a quality product which compliments the high quality public realm at Chesterfield Waterside. They are helping to create a lot of interest from prospective tenants and investors in both the office building and forthcoming developments at Basin Square and the wider Waterside scheme.” Emma Cole, Marketing Director at FWD Motion added: “FWD were delighted to work with Bolsterstone on the aluminium hoardings project, Chesterfield Waterside is a fantastic development for the local area, and we are proud to be a part of that. Working not only on design, but also print and installation means we get to see a project delivered and in use. Seeing it on display makes a real difference as you can visualise the impact it will have in the local surroundings. “As a fully integrated creative and digital agency we can work with clients on design, print, installation, development, and marketing projects.  We love working with local companies and helping make a positive branding impact.  If anyone has a project they’d like to discuss, we’d love to help.” Bolsterstone and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.  
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